Dear Kenyon staff and faculty,
Before we settle fully into the rhythms of summer, I wanted to extend my sincere thanks for a close to a memorable and special year. From an impressive array of student work, to a heartfelt celebration and send-off of our graduates, to the jubilant return of nearly 1,500 alumni and their guests — not to mention the extraordinary feat of transforming and turning over campus three times in under two weeks — I am truly amazed by how the Kenyon community comes together.
And without skipping a beat, campus is gearing up again. Nearly 150 Kenyon students will stay through the summer — more than 100 are Summer Scholars — with about as many here for shorter periods of research or other work with faculty and staff. We also will host 30 summer camps and programs, welcoming 4,000 guests to the delights of summer in Gambier. Among those joining us will be more than 70 Camp IV Scholars and 40 incoming KEEP and STEM Scholars — our largest cohorts yet.
These KEEP and STEM Scholars are among 470 talented first-year and transfer students to have accepted Kenyon’s offer of admission. Like last year, national policy changes, including the delayed rollout of the new Federal Application for Student Aid, complicated an already challenging admissions environment. Despite these challenges, I am happy to report that Kenyon’s incoming class is academically strong and brings an exciting mix of talent, experiences and perspectives. I am grateful to the dedicated professionals in the enrollment division — and all who help bring Kenyon to life for prospective students — for navigating these complexities with imagination and enthusiasm.
Given the volatility of the broader enrollment landscape, it is all the more critical that we invest in the programs and high-impact experiences that will make Kenyon’s distinction clear. That is precisely what our strategic plan sets out to do. Seven working groups, composed of more than 80 faculty and staff, are already at work to identify ways to move key initiatives forward. The working groups will submit preliminary reports this fall, and a steering committee will review the recommendations and determine the timelines, sequencing and resources required for next phases of implementation.
In her keynote address during our Bicentennial Reunion Weekend, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink ’91 spoke movingly about how her experiences at Kenyon shaped her future in public service. “As I look back on my career as a diplomat, including my current assignment as ambassador on the front lines of democracy, I can see how my liberal arts education prepared me for the enormous challenges that I would face,” she said. “For me, that has perhaps been the greatest gift of a Kenyon education — the ability to think critically and then act decisively in the interest of shaping the world for the better.” There is much about Kenyon that inspires me each and every day, and Ambassador Brink’s articulation of Kenyon’s mission is at the very top of a long list.
Please enjoy the summer months. We will return in the fall to continue to celebrate our bicentennial year and to welcome our newest members of the Kenyon community. In the meantime, please take the time to get outside, rest and enjoy time with friends and family. For those of you who are here in Gambier, I hope to see you on the Kokosing Gap Trail or on one of the BFEC hiking trails. My goal for my first summer here in Gambier is to enjoy our natural beauty on foot or on my bicycle.
With gratitude,
Julie Kornfeld
President